Biological anthropological analysis of the Avar Period skeletal finds from Hatvan-Sportpálya, Hungary

Szeniczey, Tamás and Tóth, Zoltán and Hajdu, Tamás (2025) Biological anthropological analysis of the Avar Period skeletal finds from Hatvan-Sportpálya, Hungary. ANTHROPOLOGIAI KÖZLEMÉNYEK, 66. pp. 3-18. ISSN 0003-5440

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Abstract

This study presents the anthropological and palaeopathological analysis of 54 individuals from the Avar Period cemetery at Hatvan-Sportpálya (Heves County, Hungary). The assemblage is dominated by adults (83.3%), while subadults are underrepresented, likely due to taphonomic and recovery biases. Metric and morphological data align with regional Avar populations, showing predominantly Western Eurasian ancestry with occasional East Asian–related traits. The observed pathological alterations are typical of archaeological populations, mainly reflecting mechanical stress and physically demanding lifestyles. Degenerative changes were frequent in load-bearing joints and the spine, consistent with habitual activity. Periosteal reactions were mostly healed, suggesting recovery from localized inflammation or trauma. Traumatic lesions were rare and predominantly represented by vertebral compression fractures likely linked to age-related bone fragility or osteoporosis; only one case of blunt-force trauma was recorded, which does not necessarily indicate interpersonal violence.

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